HURIWA Condemns Killing Of Kano Political Commentator, Demands Probe Ahead of 2027

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported killing of Kano-based social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, warning that rising threats against outspoken Nigerians could pose a serious danger to the 2027 general elections.

HURIWA, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the reported killing was particularly disturbing coming amid increasing political activities and concerns over the safety of citizens who express independent political views.

The organisation said Amnesty International Nigeria had confirmed that Dan Shagamu was killed and that his body was found in a pool of blood at his residence in Kano.

It, however, noted that the circumstances and motive behind the killing remained unclear, urging security authorities to conduct a credible and thorough investigation rather than allow speculation to determine the narrative.

HURIWA said human rights defenders, civil society activists, journalists and political commentators had continued to face threats and intimidation whenever they criticised powerful interests or expressed views considered unpopular by political authorities.

The association said some of its members and associates had also faced threats to their lives and attempts to undermine their advocacy activities.

It commended media organisations that continued to provide platforms for divergent views despite political pressures, describing such efforts as important to sustaining freedom of expression and democratic participation.

HURIWA warned, however, that if investigations establish that Dan Shagamu was killed because of his political opinions, the incident would represent a dangerous escalation in attempts to silence independent voices.

According to the organisation, several parts of the country are increasingly becoming hostile environments for activists, journalists, commentators and other citizens who express views opposed to powerful political or other interests.

HURIWA called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death are thoroughly investigated.

It urged the police to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone found responsible for the killing and ensure that those convicted face the full weight of the law.

The group also called on the Federal and state governments to strengthen measures for protecting human rights defenders, journalists, social media commentators and other independent voices from politically motivated attacks.

HURIWA further appealed to the European Union, United Nations and other international partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s human rights situation as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

It urged international partners to engage Nigerian authorities on the protection of civic space, freedom of expression and political rights.

The association warned that the emergence of politically motivated killings would constitute one of the most ominous signs ahead of the 2027 elections if such attacks were allowed to continue unchecked.

“Democracy cannot survive where citizens are forced to choose between silence and personal safety,” HURIWA said.

The organisation therefore demanded urgent action by security agencies to establish the perpetrators and motive behind Dan Shagamu’s killing and ensure that justice is served.